Roavina

Country guide

Spain

A photograph of Spain
Photograph · Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0

Spain covers 506,030 square kilometres and counts close to 50 million people, and it reads less as one country than as a set of regions that do not resemble each other. Madrid sits high and dry in the middle of the peninsula with the national collections in it; Barcelona is Mediterranean and Catalan-speaking. Andalusia in the south carries the Moorish architecture of Granada, Córdoba and Seville along with the heat that comes with it, while the green north coast from Bilbao to Galicia is wet Atlantic country most visitors never reach. The Canary Islands lie off Africa, and Ceuta and Melilla are on the African mainland itself.

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information
Language spoken
Spanish; co-official regional languages include Catalan, Galician and Basque
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+34
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
112
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C and F · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No verified nationwide visitor statement was recorded

Planning a visit

  1. January: seasonal closure recorded
  2. February: seasonal closure recorded
  3. March: seasonal closure recorded
  4. April: seasonal closure recorded
  5. May: seasonal closure recorded
  6. June: no seasonality data recorded
  7. July: no seasonality data recorded
  8. August: no seasonality data recorded
  9. September: no seasonality data recorded — this month
  10. October: seasonal closure recorded
  11. November: seasonal closure recorded
  12. December: seasonal closure recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

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54 places match
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Category

Historic monuments 44 Museums 0 Places of worship 10 Nature sites 0 Viewpoints 0 Food and drink 0 Markets and shopping 0 Entertainment 0 Nightlife 0 Family attractions 0 Art and culture 0 Activities 0

Typical visit duration

Up to 1 hour 54 1 to 2 hours 24 Half a day or more 1

Interests

History 54 Art 20 Museums 10 Nature 9 Sea and beach 8 Viewpoints 1
  1. Casa Vicens Casa Vicens
    01 45 min

    Casa Vicens

    Casa Vicens is a historic house in Barcelona, recognized as one of the earliest major works of architect Antoni Gaudí.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  2. German Pavilion German Pavilion
    02 45 min

    German Pavilion

    Pavelló Mies van der Rohe

    The German Pavilion, or Pavelló Mies van der Rohe, was created as Germany’s national pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  3. Palau Güell Palau Güell
    03 45 min

    Palau Güell

    Palau Güell is a mansion designed by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was built between 1886 and 1890 for Eusebi Güell, a wealthy industrialist and Gaudí's most important patron.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  4. Arc de Triomf Arc de Triomf
    04 45 min

    Arc de Triomf

    The Arc de Triomf is a triumphal arch in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was built as the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  5. Columbus Monument Columbus Monument
    05 45 min

    Columbus Monument

    Monument a Colom

    The Columbus Monument, or Monument a Colom, rises at the lower end of La Rambla where Barcelona’s historic centre meets the waterfront.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  6. Magic Fountain of Montjuïc Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
    06 45 min

    Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

    Font Màgica de Montjuïc

    The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, known locally as Font Màgica de Montjuïc, stands as a prominent ornamental fountain in Barcelona, Spain.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  7. Montjuïc Castle Montjuïc Castle
    07 45 min

    Montjuïc Castle

    Castell de Montjuïc

    Montjuïc Castle, known locally as Castell de Montjuïc, is a historic fortress situated atop Montjuïc hill overlooking Barcelona and its port. The military structure occupies a strategic position that has been fortified since the 17th century.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  8. Montjuïc Communications Tower Montjuïc Communications Tower
    08 45 min

    Montjuïc Communications Tower

    Torre de Comunicacions de Montjuïc

    Torre de Comunicacions de Montjuïc is a telecommunications tower located on Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, Spain. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava and completed for the 1992 Summer Olympics, it serves as a television and radio transmission tower.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  9. Barcelona Cathedral Barcelona Cathedral
    09 30 min

    Barcelona Cathedral

    Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia

    The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is the Gothic cathedral of Barcelona, seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. Dedicated to the city's co-patron saint Eulalia, a young martyr, it stands in the historic Barri Gòtic district.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  10. Royal Square Royal Square
    10 45 min

    Royal Square

    Plaça Reial

    Royal Square, or Plaça Reial, is a nineteenth-century public square just off La Rambla in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  11. Palau Nacional Palau Nacional
    11 45 min

    Palau Nacional

    Palau Nacional is a monumental building located on Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, Spain. It was constructed for the 1929 International Exposition and now serves as the main building of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC).

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  12. Güell Pavilions Güell Pavilions
    12 45 min

    Güell Pavilions

    Pavellons Güell

    The Güell Pavilions are a small Modernista complex in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí for Eusebi Güell. Built between 1884 and 1887, they served as the entrance and gatehouses to the Güell estate in the Les Corts district.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  13. Fabra Observatory Fabra Observatory
    13 45 min

    Fabra Observatory

    Observatori Fabra

    Fabra Observatory, or Observatori Fabra, is a historic astronomical observatory on a hill above Barcelona. Its elevated setting combines scientific heritage with broad views over the city and surrounding landscape.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  14. Palau de la Generalitat Palau de la Generalitat
    14 45 min

    Palau de la Generalitat

    Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya

    Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya serves as the seat of the Government of Catalonia. This historic palace stands in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter as one of the few medieval government buildings in Europe still used for its original purpose.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  15. Casa Lleó Morera Casa Lleó Morera
    15 45 min

    Casa Lleó Morera

    Casa Lleó Morera is a Modernista building on Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona's Eixample district. Lluís Domènech i Montaner designed it, and construction took place between 1902 and 1906.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  16. Bellesguard Bellesguard
    16 45 min

    Bellesguard

    Torre Bellesguard

    Bellesguard, known locally as Torre Bellesguard, is a modernist building in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí. Constructed between 1900 and 1909, it stands on the site of a medieval castle once belonging to the Crown of Aragon.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  17. Santa Maria del Mar Santa Maria del Mar
    17 30 min

    Santa Maria del Mar

    Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar

    The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar stands in Barcelona's Ribera district as a Catalan Gothic church built between 1329 and 1383. Constructed by the local maritime community, it represents pure Catalan Gothic style without later decorative additions.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  18. Gothic Quarter Gothic Quarter
    18 45 min

    Gothic Quarter

    el Gòtic

    The Gothic Quarter, known locally as el Gòtic, forms the historic core of Barcelona's old city. It encompasses the medieval centre where Roman foundations underlie a dense labyrinth of narrow streets, small squares, and stone buildings accumulated across centuries.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  19. Barcelona Royal Shipyard Barcelona Royal Shipyard
    19 45 min

    Barcelona Royal Shipyard

    Drassanes Reials de Barcelona

    The Barcelona Royal Shipyard, known locally as Drassanes Reials de Barcelona, is a historic maritime complex located near the port area of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  20. Palau Reial Major Palau Reial Major
    20 45 min

    Palau Reial Major

    Palau Reial Major is Barcelona’s medieval royal palace complex on Plaça del Rei in the Gothic Quarter. The site was associated with the Counts of Barcelona and later the Kings of Aragon.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  21. The Four Columns The Four Columns
    21 45 min

    The Four Columns

    Les Quatre Columnes

    The Four Columns, or Les Quatre Columnes, are a public monument at the foot of Montjuïc in Barcelona. Josep Puig i Cadafalch designed the original columns in 1919 as symbols of the four red stripes of the Catalan senyera.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  22. Fossar de les Moreres Fossar de les Moreres
    22 45 min

    Fossar de les Moreres

    Fossar de les Moreres is a memorial square beside the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona’s El Born district.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  23. Venetian Towers Venetian Towers
    23 45 min

    Venetian Towers

    Torres Venecianes

    The Venetian Towers, known in Catalan as Torres Venecianes, mark the entrance to Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina at Plaça d'Espanya. Built for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, the paired towers create a ceremonial gateway toward Montjuïc.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  24. Plaza de toros de las Arenas Plaza de toros de las Arenas
    24 45 min

    Plaza de toros de las Arenas

    Arenas de Barcelona

    Arenas de Barcelona is a former bullring in the city of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  25. Palace of the Parliament of Catalonia Palace of the Parliament of Catalonia
    25 45 min

    Palace of the Parliament of Catalonia

    Palau del Parlament de Catalunya

    The Palace of the Parliament of Catalonia, or Palau del Parlament de Catalunya, is the seat of Catalonia’s legislature in Barcelona. Its importance comes from both its institutional role and its connection with Catalan self-government.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  26. Palau Reial de Pedralbes Palau Reial de Pedralbes
    26 45 min

    Palau Reial de Pedralbes

    Palau Reial de Pedralbes is a royal palace located in the Pedralbes district of Barcelona, Spain. The building was constructed in the early twentieth century as a residence for the Spanish royal family during their visits to the city.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  27. Sant Pau del Camp Sant Pau del Camp
    27 45 min

    Sant Pau del Camp

    Sant Pau del Camp is a historic religious complex in Barcelona's El Raval district and one of the city's oldest monastic sites. Its name, Saint Paul of the Countryside, recalls a time when the foundation stood beyond Barcelona's medieval walls.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  28. Montjuïc Cemetery Montjuïc Cemetery
    28 30 min

    Montjuïc Cemetery

    Cementiri de Montjuïc

    Montjuïc Cemetery, known locally as Cementiri de Montjuïc, is a historic burial ground located on Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, Spain. The cemetery occupies a prominent position overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the city below.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  29. Sagrada Família schools Sagrada Família schools
    29 45 min

    Sagrada Família schools

    Escoles de la Sagrada Família

    The Escoles de la Sagrada Família are historic school buildings located on the grounds of Antoni Gaudí's unfinished Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  30. Llotja de Barcelona Llotja de Barcelona
    30 45 min

    Llotja de Barcelona

    Llotja de Mar

    Llotja de Barcelona, also known as Llotja de Mar, is a historic mercantile exchange associated with Barcelona's maritime and commercial life.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  31. Palau del Baró de Quadras Palau del Baró de Quadras
    31 45 min

    Palau del Baró de Quadras

    Palau del Baró de Quadras is a Barcelona mansion associated with Catalan modernism and the Eixample’s early twentieth-century prosperity.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  32. Torre Jaume I Torre Jaume I
    32 45 min

    Torre Jaume I

    Torre de Jaume I

    Torre Jaume I is a named tower in Barcelona’s built landscape. The name refers to James I of Aragon, an important figure in Catalan history, and gives the structure a connection with the historical identity of the city.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  33. Casa Serra Casa Serra
    33 45 min

    Casa Serra

    Can Serra

    Casa Serra, also known locally as Can Serra, is a named historic building in Barcelona. The building belongs to the city’s architectural fabric and gives travellers a chance to notice heritage beyond the most famous monuments.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  34. Chapel of Santa Ágata Chapel of Santa Ágata
    34 45 min

    Chapel of Santa Ágata

    Capella de Santa Àgata

    The Chapel of Santa Ágata, also called Capella de Santa Àgata, is a medieval religious building in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  35. Roman walls of Barcelona Roman walls of Barcelona
    35 45 min

    Roman walls of Barcelona

    Muralla Romana

    The Roman walls of Barcelona, known locally as Muralla Romana, constitute remnants of the ancient fortifications that once encircled Barcino, the Roman colony founded in the first century BC.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  36. Via sepulcral Romana de la plaça de la Vila de Madrid Via sepulcral Romana de la plaça de la Vila de Madrid
    36 45 min

    Via sepulcral Romana de la plaça de la Vila de Madrid

    Via Sepulcral Romana

    The Via sepulcral Romana de la plaça de la Vila de Madrid preserves part of a Roman funerary road in Barcelona's Ciutat Vella.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  37. National Expiatory Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus National Expiatory Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
    37 30 min

    National Expiatory Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

    Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor

    The National Expiatory Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, known locally as Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, stands on the summit of Tibidabo mountain overlooking Barcelona.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  38. Torre Sant Sebastià Torre Sant Sebastià
    38 45 min

    Torre Sant Sebastià

    Torre de Sant Sebastià

    Torre Sant Sebastià, also known as Torre de Sant Sebastià, is a specifically mapped tower structure in Barcelona, identified as way/126760606 in OpenStreetMap.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  39. plaça del Rei plaça del Rei
    39 45 min

    plaça del Rei

    Plaça del Rei

    Plaça del Rei is a medieval public square in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, situated in the historic core of the Ciutat Vella district.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  40. Port Vell de Barcelona Port Vell de Barcelona
    40 45 min

    Port Vell de Barcelona

    Port Vell

    Port Vell is Barcelona’s historic old harbour at the lower end of La Rambla. The waterfront was reshaped for the 1992 Olympic Games, turning former industrial docks into a lively district of promenades, boats, restaurants, and attractions.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  41. Palace of Albéniz Palace of Albéniz
    41 45 min

    Palace of Albéniz

    Palauet Albéniz

    Palace of Albéniz, or Palauet Albéniz, is a palace near Montjuïc associated with Barcelona's official and ceremonial life. Its name honours the composer Isaac Albéniz and places the building within Catalonia's wider cultural landscape.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  42. Palau Robert Palau Robert
    42 45 min

    Palau Robert

    Palau Robert is a cultural centre and exhibition hall located on Barcelona's Passeig de Gràcia in the Eixample district.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  43. Fossar de la Pedrera Fossar de la Pedrera
    43 45 min

    Fossar de la Pedrera

    El Fossar de la Pedrera

    Fossar de la Pedrera is a memorial and cemetery landscape on Montjuïc, Barcelona. The former quarry is connected with victims of the Spanish Civil War and Franco-era repression, making it one of the city’s most serious places of remembrance.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  44. Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine Tree Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine Tree
    44 30 min

    Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine Tree

    Parròquia Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi

    The Parròquia Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi is a parish basilica in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. Its Catalan name references a pine tree that once stood nearby.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  45. Padellàs's House Padellàs's House
    45 45 min

    Padellàs's House

    Casa Padellàs

    Padellàs’s House, also known as Casa Padellàs, is a historic residence in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Its architecture belongs to the city’s layered Catalan heritage and reflects the domestic world of prosperous merchant families.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  46. Monastery of Pedralbes Monastery of Pedralbes
    46 30 min

    Monastery of Pedralbes

    Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes

    The Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes is a Gothic monastery founded in 1326 by Queen Elisenda de Montcada.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  47. Palau de la Metal·lúrgia Palau de la Metal·lúrgia
    47 45 min

    Palau de la Metal·lúrgia

    Palau de la Metal·lúrgia is a historic exhibition building in Barcelona’s Montjuïc area, within the Fira de Barcelona complex. Built for the 1929 International Exposition, it presented the metallurgy industry and remains linked to Barcelona’s long tradition of international fairs.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  48. Casa Mulleras Casa Mulleras
    48 45 min

    Casa Mulleras

    Casa Mulleras is a named Barcelona building identified by the mapped footprint at way/679019119.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  49. Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy
    49 30 min

    Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy

    Basílica de la Mercè

    The Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy is a Baroque church in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, close to the port and the historic centre. Dedicated to the Virgin of Mercy, patroness of Barcelona, it remains an active place of worship.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  50. Poblenou Cemetery Poblenou Cemetery
    50 30 min

    Poblenou Cemetery

    Cementiri del Poblenou

    Poblenou Cemetery, known locally as Cementiri del Poblenou, is a historic burial ground in Barcelona. Established in the 18th century, it represents one of the city's oldest cemeteries and serves as a significant cultural landmark.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Barcelona
  51. Almudena Cathedral Almudena Cathedral
    51 30 min

    Almudena Cathedral

    Catedral de la Almudena

    Almudena Cathedral is Madrid’s principal Roman Catholic cathedral, facing the Royal Palace across Plaza de la Armería. Construction began in the late nineteenth century and Pope John Paul II consecrated the cathedral in 1993.

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Madrid
  52. Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great
    52 30 min

    Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great

    Real Basílica de San Francisco el Grande

    Basílica de San Francisco el Grande is a prominent Roman Catholic basilica in Madrid, Spain. The local name matches its formal identity.

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Madrid
  53. The Bunker The Bunker
    53 45 min

    The Bunker

    Bateries antiaèries i barraques del Carmel

    The Bunker is a historic anti-aircraft battery site located in the Carmel neighbourhood of Barcelona. Its official local name, Bateries antiaèries i barraques del Carmel, reflects its military origins during the Spanish Civil War.

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Barcelona
  54. Palacio de Cibeles - Ayuntamiento de Madrid Palacio de Cibeles - Ayuntamiento de Madrid
    54 45 min

    Palacio de Cibeles - Ayuntamiento de Madrid

    Palacio de Cibeles is Madrid’s former communications palace and a present civic and cultural building on Plaza de Cibeles.

    • Notable
    • Historic monument
    • Madrid

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Spain be?

Ten to fourteen days allows three or four days in Madrid and four in Barcelona, plus selected rail day trips. Andalusia or either island group deserves a separate route instead of being compressed into the same mainland circuit.

What entry documents are needed for Spain?

Spain follows Schengen rules, but the traveller's nationality and route determine the required documents or visa. Confirm the current requirement through Spain's official consular information before departure.

What is the best way to travel around Spain?

High-speed rail makes Madrid-Barcelona and several mainland city pairs practical, while regional buses cover gaps. Island travel needs flights or ferries, and urban ticketing remains local to each city.

When is a practical time to visit Spain?

April to June and September to October are broad choices for Madrid and Barcelona. Andalusia, the Atlantic north, Balearics, and Canaries follow different heat and weather patterns, so a regional extension should control the final dates.

What money and payment basics apply in Spain?

Spain uses the euro (EUR). Cards are common in cities, but a small euro reserve is useful for individual businesses; always check the billed currency and amount before approving a terminal transaction.

What practical safety details should I save for Spain?

Spain's emergency contact is 112. Electrical outlets accept Type C and F plugs on a 230 V supply. Because this record contains no tap-water finding, use advice from the municipality serving each overnight stop.